though it seems improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though it seems improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement or idea that may appear unlikely or difficult to believe, often to present a contrasting perspective. Example: "Though it seems improbable, the team managed to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She's so tough that, though it seems improbable at first, the petite Mara spends the last third of the movie in a series of brutal fight scenes, getting hurled through windows and suchlike.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though the figures for 2010 are not yet available, it seems improbable that things went appreciably better for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

It seems improbable.

The Economist

It seems improbable enough.

The Guardian - Sport

But it seems improbable now.

The New Yorker

It seems improbable he will this season, but not impossible.

Independent

It seems improbable that this was a pregnancy undertaken lightly.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems improbable that any sort of sea chart was used with these sailing guides, even though Herodotus's map of the known world, drawn in the 5th century bc, delineated the Mediterranean shoreline quite accurately.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It seems improbable that it really wants to start another on this scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it seems improbable that the death penalty has much effect.

The Economist

So the teasing started because it seems improbable he did not suspect anything".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though it seems improbable" to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact that contrasts with a prior statement. This can create a sense of intrigue or highlight an exception to a general rule.

Common error

Avoid using "though it seems improbable" when a stronger, more direct contradiction is more appropriate. Ensure the context genuinely warrants a sense of mild surprise rather than outright disbelief or refutation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though it seems improbable" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause by introducing a contrasting or qualifying element. It sets up a situation that appears unlikely before presenting the actual outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly and effectively used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though it seems improbable" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to introduce an element of surprise or contrast. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, exhibiting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. Remember to use it when you want to acknowledge the unlikelihood of something while still presenting it as true or possible. Be mindful of not replacing stronger contradictions and choose the right synonym in even if it seems unlikely, although it appears doubtful, or while it may appear far-fetched. It is considered a common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if it seems unlikely

Replaces 'improbable' with 'unlikely', softening the tone slightly but retaining the core meaning of something not being expected.

although it appears doubtful

Substitutes 'improbable' with 'doubtful' and 'seems' with 'appears', offering a slightly more formal tone.

while it may appear far-fetched

Replaces 'improbable' with 'far-fetched', emphasizing the unlikelihood of the scenario.

despite its seeming implausibility

Uses a noun form ('implausibility') instead of an adjective ('improbable'), creating a more formal and emphatic tone.

even if it looks questionable

Substitutes 'improbable' with 'questionable' offering an alternative perspective.

though it might sound unrealistic

Replaces 'improbable' with 'unrealistic' and 'seems' with 'might sound', changing the focus to how the situation is perceived.

even if it is hardly believable

Replaces 'improbable' with 'hardly believable' changing the focus to how believable the situation is.

although it defies expectations

Uses 'defies expectations' to convey the improbability by highlighting a conflict with what is normally expected.

while it clashes with reality

Changes the perspective to a clash with reality

despite its lack of likelihood

Uses a more formal tone, focusing on the absence of 'likelihood'.

FAQs

How can I use "though it seems improbable" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to introduce something that might appear unlikely or hard to believe, but is nonetheless true or possible. For example, "Though it seems improbable, the team managed to win the championship after being at the bottom of the league for most of the season."

What are some alternatives to "though it seems improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "even if it seems unlikely", "although it appears doubtful", or "while it may appear far-fetched" depending on the context.

Is "though it seems improbable" formal or informal?

This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it leans slightly towards the neutral side. It's acceptable in news articles, academic papers, and general conversation.

Can I use "although it seems improbable" instead of "though it seems improbable"?

Yes, "although it seems improbable" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. "Though" and "although" are often interchangeable in this context.